Tube-splicing device



v A. HUETTER -TUBE sgLIcING DEVICE F11 d July 21@ 1924 April 20,1926. 1,581,448

Y A. HuETTr-:R

. TUBE sPLIcInG DEVICE.

Fil u Ay 2,1, 1924 2 sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Apr. 20, 1926.

UNITED srArl-s PATENT OFFICE.,

ANDREW HUETTER, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR OF FORlY-NINEy ONE-HUN- DREDTHS TO KURT ROEHIJL, OF DAYTON, OHIO, AND TWENTY-FIVE ONE-HUN- DREDTHS TO ELFRIEDE BETTY HUETTER, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

TUBE-SPLIG'INGv DEVICE.

Application filed July 21, 1924. Serial N0. 727,387.

r an interior expansible mandrel ot flexible,

but inextensible material, preferably sheet metal, expanded by fluid pressure vto subject the interposed overlapping ends of the tube to internalipressure. Such expansion ot the mandrel or interior forni may be et- 'ected by compressed air hydraulic pressure or other fluid actuating means, but is preterably achieved by use ot superheated steam, thereby simultaneously affording the necessary vulcanizing heat as well as the pressure.

The objectot the invention is to simplify the structure as well as the means and mode o't operation ot tube splicing devices whereby they will not only be cheapened in construction, but will be more etlicient in use, uniform in operation, easily controlled and unlikely to get out ot repair.

A further object ot the invention is to provide for such tube splicing presses, an eXpansible-mandrel or core, which will readily withstand `high degrees yot `temperature without deteriora-tion, and rwill be quickly responsive to variations of internal pressure, enabling the pressure to which 'the' splice is subjected to be quite accurately gagedand varied at will of the operator in wide range of variation.

A 'further object of the invention is to provide a press rormold .for tube 7splicing wherein the splice will be Lsubjectedtoweither internal or external heat.

A further object of the invention is to provide a splicingpress which will .enablefa complete splice tobe effected witlrminimuni overlap ot theend, thereby conserving and economizing. material.

lilith the above primary and Otlleiincidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention l consists ot the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the inode of operation or their equivalents as hereinafter described and set forth in the claims. l

Referring tothe drawings, Fig. l is a sido elevation of the press, mounted for toot operation. Fig. 2 is a rear elevation ofl the press and Fig. 3 a vertical sectional view on line 3MB of Fig. l, Fig. (l is al side eleva tion of the press or mat-rig; mounted tor hand operation. Fig. 5 is a top plan view and Fig. G bottom plan view of the expansible mandrel or core. F 7 is an end elevation viewed from the lett of Figs. and 6, while Fig. 8 is an elevation from the right of such figures, the handle portion being omitted. F 9 is a. longitudinal sectional view and Fig. 10 a transverse sectional view of a modification of the expansible mandrel. Fig. l1 is a top plan view of the closure slide for the mandrel of which Fig. 12 is an end elevation from the left in Fig. 10, and

Fig. 13 is an end elevation `from the right of Fig. `10.

Lilie parts are indicated by similar characters o reference thruout the several views.

It has been estimated that at the present time, approximately ninety to ninty-tive per cent oft inner ltubes for pneumatic tires are spliced by the well `known cold .cure or acid method. This is the method most widely and `generally employed. Such extensive use ot' the'cold cure Aor acid method is primarily due to the fact that the hot cure or vulcanization processes as vheretofore attempted are not economical in labor costs, altho more reliable Iin effect. Not only is .the present invention intended to overcome the objections generally recognized to the cold cure oracid method of tube splicing, but it also enables a material saving iny stock by effecting successful .and complete splicing with approximately one halt-to one inch of overlap of the tube ends, whereas the'cold cure process ordinarily necessitates Aan.y overlap of the tube ends of several inches vin eX- tent. The press herein described is .further designed to increase the speed of operationiover thatpfthe cold or acidtprooess,

materially .ressens ...lanes Y Laue/ to leak .Qf'

fil

contact or leaky joints, and by elimination of acid fumes to afford safe working conditions.

The matrix or female member comprises two hollow semi-annular sections 1 and 2, hinged one to the other at 3. The interior chamber of each of these semi-annular members 1 and 2 is provided with an inlet l, and an outlet 5 for the live steam or other heating medium, in the event that bot-h interior and exterior heat is to be applied. rlhe out.- let ports 5 are preferably, tho not necessarily interconnected one to the other by suitable flexible hose connections, in which case the steam or other heating medium entering the port l of one n'iember, will pass thence thru the other member.

The connections to the ports -l leading to the interior chambers of the semi-annular n'iembers 1 and 2 are also connected by means of flexible hose, thus enabling the matrix or female member to be opened by oscillation of the sections 1 and 2 about their hinge connection 3. For convenient mounting, these members 1 and 2 are provided with oppositely disposed lugs G. The lug G of the member 1 is pivotally connected to the upper arm of a C-shaped supporting frame 7, for oscillating movement in relation therewith. r)The corresponding lug 6 upon the opposing member 2 is connectedy to one end of a lever 8, which in turn is pivoted at 9 to the lower arm of the C-sliaped member 7. By oscillating the lever 8, the female member or matrix may be thrust forwardly and at the same time opened about its hinged connection 3 to receive the tube and mandrel. Such operated or open position of the matrix is shown by dot and dash lines in Fig. 1. Any suitable means may be employed for oscillating the lever 8. The preferred construction is by means of a treadle or foot operated lever 10, connected by a linl 11 with the lower end. of the lever 8. yhe treadle or foot lever 10 is shown in the drawing` provided with a pedal operated detent 12, lockingl the treadle 10 in its depressed position and holding the matrix closed. A spring 18 attached to the operating lever 8 thru the link 11 tends to retract the operation lever S and open the matrix by thrusting it forwardly upon release of the detent l2.

In lieu of such foot operated mechanism, a hand lever 11i pivoted to the supporting frame 7 may be connected with the operating lever 8, as by a link 15, thereby effecting the same movement of the matrix to and from its closed possition.

rThe interior surface of the matrix sections 1 and 2 are preferably tho not necessarily lined vith arcuate sections of rubber, 16, fabric, composition or other suitable lining material. lf rubber is employed, such lining will be changed from time to time asthe rubber deteriorates or hardens under` the influence of continuous or successive heating. rfhe preferable lining material is one possessing the characteristics of rubber, yet unsusceptible to deteriorating influence of heat.

The expansible mandrel as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 comprises a longitudinally slotted tubular body of sheet metal having double walls. The interior and exterior' walls of the tubular body are separated Vone from the other to afford an intermediate chamber' for `[luid under pressure or for l'ieatingT medium.

ris shown in Figs. 5 and G the mandrel or core 1S is substantially cylindrical in form tliruout the greater portion of its length, being slightly tapered or conical at its extremity to facilitate its engagement within the overlapped portion of the tube. yllhe mandrel 18 is provided with a longitudinal tapered slot 19. In effecting a splice, one end of the tube to be spliced is extended thru the interior of the mandrel and then turned backward over its extremity, where it is brought into contact with the opposite end of the tube to be joined. Upon completion of the splice, the annular or endless tube extends thru the interior of the hollow mandrel. The longitudinal slot 19 is for the purpose of enabling the tube to be removed from the mandrel after its ends have been joined. A removable closure slide 2O is provided for such tapered slot 19. Such closure slide has been illustrated in Figs. 11, 12 and 13. The slide 2O is reduced at its opposite margins to lfeather edges, so that its exterior Surface will merge uniformly and smoothly into the exterior surface of the mandrel when such slide is engaged within the slot 19. The underside of the slide 2O is provided with lateral tapered grooves 21 in which the margins of the mandrel slot 19 engage. As illustrated by dotted lines in Fig. 11 and as shown in the end view Fig. 12, such lateral grooves or recesses are comparatively deep at one end of the closure slide 20, such grooves becoming morey shallow as they approach the opposite end, finally terminating in shoulders or rabbets as shown in F ig. 13. This closure slide is longitudinally adjustable into and out of the access slot 19 of the mandrel and when in position aifords a continuous uniformly smooth exterior peripheral surface for the mandrel. To facilitate the disengagement of the spliced tribe after completion of the splicing operation the closure slide 2O is preferably, tho not necessarily provided with a longitudinal passage or duc 24s having at one end an inlet nipple 25, and terminating at its opposite end in discharge orifices 26 thru which air under pressure may be .introduced for loosening and separating the spliced tube from the mandrel in the event hat there is any tendency to stick or adiere.

tion lFL is provided with a locking shoulder 89 engaging a corresponding shoulder l0 upon the lower matrix section to interlock such parts in engagement one with the other. This hand lever is actuated into locking engagement by the spring 4-1. The matrix sections la and 2a are provided with inlet and outlet ports leading to the hollow interiors for the admission of steam or other heating medium in the same manner as shown in Fig. 1.

ldrom the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device or' the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

lhile in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specic as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprises the preferred form of several modes of putting the invention into efect and the invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a splicing press for tire tubes and the like, a pair of semi-annular matrix jaws interpivoted to each other, a support to which one of said jaws is further pivotally attached, and a lever pivotally attached to the other jaw by the movement of which the semi-annular jaws are oscillated in relation with the support and in relation with each other to open and close the jaws and a mandrel insertable within the jaws.

2. In a splicing press for tire tubes and the like, a toggle like structure including a mounting, a pair of interpivoted semiannular matrix jaws mounted upon the support :for toggle like adjustment into distended and clos-ed relation and operating means connected to one of the jaws for effecting their opening and closing movement, and a mandrel insertable between the 'jaws when distended.

3. In a splicing press for tire tubes and the like, a pair of semiannular matrix jaws pivoted to each other, non-inflatable cushion lining pads for said jaws and an expansible mandrel insertable within the jaws.

4. In a splicing press for tire tubes and the like, a pair ot' hollow semi-annular matrix jaws interpivoted one to the other, the hollow interiors affording inliexible steam chambers, steam inlet and outlet passages communicating with the hollow interiors of the jaws, a hollow expansible mandrel ot' flexible but inextensible material insertable within said jaws, and inlet and outlet passages for liuid under pressure communicating with the interior of the hollow mandrel.

5. In a splicing press for tire tubes and the like, a pair ot hollow semi-annular matrix jaws, interpivoted one to the other, the hollow interiors aiording inflexible steam chambers, steam inlet and outlet passages communicating with the hollow interiors of the jaws, yielding cushion pads positioned within said jaws, and a mandrel insertable within the jaws.

6. In a splicing press 'for tire tubes and the like, a pairo'l1 hollow seni-annular inatrix jaws interpivoted one to the other, the hollow interiors aiiiording inflexible steam chambers, steam inlet and outlet passages comn'iunicating with the hollow interiors of the jaws, and relatively movable pivotal connections 'for the jaws independent of their pivotal connections to each other by the adjustment of which the jaws are distended and contracted.

7. In a splicing press for tire tubes and the like, a pair of semi-annular matrix jaws interpivoted one to the other, means to which the jaws are each separately pivoted independent of their pivotal connection one to the other, spring means for relatively oscillating the jaws into openrelation, and an operating lever operating in opposition to the spring for closing the jaws, and an expansible mandrel insertable within the jaws when open.

8; In a splicing press for tir tubes and the like, a pair otl semiannular matrix jaws, interpivoted one to the other, the pivotal connection of the jaws being movable to and iro simultaneously with the interpivotal movement ot the jaws, means for oscillating both jaws simultaneously to eli'iect a forward thrust and retrograde movement of the jaws in the opening and closing movements, and a mandrel engageable within said jaws.

9. In a splicing press for tire tubes and the like, a pair of hollow semi-annular matrix jaws movable relatively one to the other, steam inlet and outlet passages communieating with the hollow interiors oi said jaws, and an expansible mandrel having supporting llO The underside of the mandrelor thatside opposite the accessslot 19 is providedwith hollovvzbosses 2T,communicating with the interior chamber` 28 oi the hollow ,walls ot' the mandrel. lnlet and outlet eonduitsQQ and SO communicate with such hollowbosies 27, thru which fluid under pressure or heating medium or both are admitted to the chamber 28 and exhausted therefrom. The mandrel is provided with longitudinally extending turcations or .arms 31 at one, ex.- tremity, torwhich` is attached a handle 32 formed in twosections.interpivote'd at 233 to compensate tor the expansive movement ot the mandrel. The handle 32 ispreferably formed with an o )en bie'htiliii which the l .surplus portion ot the tube Vbeing spliced may be engaged to support it conveniently while the ends to be spliced are engaged over the mandrel.

ln preparing ltor a splice, one end .of the tube is inserted thru the tubular hollow walled mandrel, either by passing it from one end to the other thru the interior otx the mandrel, orfby collapsing the tube and sliding it laterallythru the longitudinal access slot 19. VThe closure slide 2O is then placed in position with the margins ot' the access slot 19 engaging in the lateral grooves or recesses ot' the closure slide and the slide is forced longitudinally sullieient to afford a slight breaking action, suiiicient to retain it in position. The end ot the tube passed thru the mandrel is then reversed inside out over one endet' the mandrel. This reverse portion ot the tube is then again reversed upon itself, and the opposite end oft the rubber tube is passed around the doubly reversed tube end surrounding the mandrel. This will bring the interior surface of one end ot the tube into contact with the exterior surface ot the opposite end ot the tube.

rlhe matrix comprising the hinged annular sections 1 and 2 being in its forward and open position, the mandrel with the overlapped ends of the tube positioned thereon is placed within the open matrix and the lever 8 is operated to close the matrix over the overlapped ends ot the tube and mandrel. Various operators have different theories and ideas as to the best method ot' vulcanization. The present press is so constructed as to meet various conditions of operation and to enable the operator to apply heat either externally or internally or both externally and internally as he may elect. It' the operator prefers to en'inloy heat externally only, superheated steam is admitted to the interior chambers ot' the members 1 and 2 ot' the matrix, and at the same time compressed air, water under pressure or other fluid pressure medium is admitted to the chamber 28 ot the hollow mandrel, thereby expanding the mandrel within the heated matrix and subjecting vthe inne'rposed overlapping portions ot the tire to internal pressure. It itis desired to equalize the heat internally and externally, superhcate'dsteam kmay be admitted to the chamber 28 ot' the hollow mandrel, aii'ording both the rexpansive internal pressure and the internal heating medium. lt will alsobeobvious that inthe event that internal heat only is required, steam need not be admitted to the sections 1 and 2 ot the matrix, but the vulcanizing heat may be supplied wholly from the hollow expansive mandrel interiorly ot the tire. The Hui" pressure within the mandrel ,whether it is superheated steam or merely compressed., air or'water pressure, serves to flexxthe yielding Iwalls ot the mandrel expandingA the mandrel byy separating the margins or thelaecess slotlf)A beneath the overlapping closure slide 20 and subjecting the ,tube to` internal pressure. l, H

lf a cement splice or acid cure method is employed, heat is not required in, either the mandrel nor the matrix. lThe press may be employed for suoli cold cure process'by utilizing compressed air orhydraulic pressure or other fluid, pressure,mediumiirlieu of superheated steam. TVariousI methods of assembling the tube ends preparatory to splicing are now in commonl use. The method heretofore, described has been referred to for illustrative purposes l,only and not Ywith any intent to limit the preseutinvention or the use of thepress torsuch particularl splic ing method. lt is to be understood Athat various other 'forms olisplicing relationrogt' the tube ends `may. be employed.l The mandrel which as beforedescribed is preferably ot a sheet metal `cylincrical `formationhaving therein a .reentrant tubular loop or plait ot' comparatively large, dimension, is preterably made from sheet copper or copper alloy, which have been 'toundnquite suitable for this purpose. However, other materials having heat resistant properties and a reasonable degree or' elasticity o r flexibility even tho noni-metallic Vmay be employed with equally advantageous result. f Theinner and outer walls of thel mandrel are united atits extremities and also along the margin or the access slot 19, forming within themandrel the. substantially' crescent shaped steam chamber 28.

In Figs. 9 and 1G there have been shown a niodilication et the mandrel, wherein the interior wall of the vmandrel and steam chamber 28 is longitudinally corrugated as at 42. Such corrugations readily compensate for the expansion or outward flexing of the outer-.walls of the mandrel. and render the mandrel somewhat more responsive to the iniluence ot the fluid pressure within the chamber 28. Y

In Fig. 4 there has been shown avmodilication of the matrix or exterior press meinbers, wherein the lower section 2a is station- Cil therein an expansion chamber and means for admitting `Huid -under pressure to saidy mandrel. V

10. ln a splicing press for tire tubes and the like, a pair ot hollow senil-annular matrix jaws movable relatively oneA to the other, steamv inletv andoutlet passages communicating with the-'hollow interiors of said aws, an expansible metallic mandrel having a steam chamber therein and steam inlet and outlet passages leading'to the, expansi-ble'ma'ndrel by the admission of which the mandrel is 'simultaneously expanded and heated.

ll. In a splicing press for tire tubes and the like, a pair ot hollow semi-annular matrix jaws, movable relatively one to the other, an expansible metallic mandrel having therein a steam chamber and steam inlet and outlet passages communicating with the steam chamber by the admission of which the mandrel is simultaneously heated and expanded.

l2. ln a splicing press for tire tubes and the like, a pair ot' hollow semi-annular matrix jaws movable relatively one to the other, and a mandrel rco-acting therewith comprising a longitudinally7 slotted tubular member having double spaced walls ot flexible sheet metal forming intermediate such walls a chamber .tor fluid under pressure, a removable closure for the longitudinal slot ot said mandreh'the exterior 'fa-ce ot which merges comparatively smoothly into the surface of the mandrel, and means for admitting fluid under pressure tothe chamber within the walls of the mandrel. while within the matrix jaws for expanding the mandrel therewithin.

13. ln a splicing press for tire tubes and the like, apair of hollow semi-annular matrix jaws movable relative one to the other, an expansible metallic mandrel having double spaced walls forming an intermediate chamber tor fluid unser pressure, said mandrel being ot' cylindrical form thruout the greater portion ot its length, the terminal portion thereof being exteriorly tapered, and means tor admitting fluid under pressure to expand the mandrel within the matrix aws.

lll. ln a splicing press for tire tubes and the like, a pair of hollow semi-annular matrix jaws movable relatively one to the other, and a cylindrical 'longitudinally slotted expansible tubular mandrel having double spaced walls affording an intermediate chamber for fluid under pressure, and a removable compensating closure for said longitudinal slot operative through various degrees ot expansion of the expansible mandrel.

l5. In a splicing press for tire tubes and the like, a pair of hollow semi-annular macontraction ot the mandrel. f

lf3, In a splicingpress for tire tubes and theflike, a pair of hollow semi-annular matrix aws movable relatively one to the other, an expansible mandrel co-operating with the jaws, and a` flexibly connected handle for said mandrel, the ilexibility ot which compensates for the expansion and contraction ot the mandrel, and means for expanding the mandrel within the matrix jaws.

17. In ay splicing press for tire tubes and the like, a pair of hollow semi-annular matrix jaws movable relatively one to the other, an expansible mandrel coacting with the jaws, and a two part handle for the mandrel, the parts oli' which are pivotally connected to compensate for the expansion and cont `action of the mandrel.

18. In a splicing press for tire tubes and the like, a pair of hollow semi-annular matrix jaws movable relatively one to the other,

an expansible mandrel coacting with the` jaws, and a handle, the handle having therein a bight formed with a restricted mouth to receive the surplus portion of the tire tube being. operated upon.

A19. A tube splicing device including an exnansible metallic mandrel, and means for exerting pressure against the splice by the introduction et fluid under pressure into the mandrel. I

v20. A tube splicing device including a hollow expansible metallic mandrel and means heating the splice by the introduction of heated fluid under pressure into the hollow mandrel.

2l. A tube splicing device, including an expansible mandrel, and means for simultaneously heating the splice and applying pressure thereto by the introduction of fluid under pressure into the mandrel.

Q2. ln a splicing press tor endless pneumatic tubes and the like, a pair of semiannular matrix jaws, each jaw pivoted to a trame and also to each other.

23. in a splicing press for endless pneumatic tubes and the like, an annular matrixcomprising a number of independent arcuate sections,a mounting to which each section is pivcted, each section beingalso pivoted to the adjoining section.

l 24. ln a splicing press for endless pneumatic tubes and the like, a matrix comprising a pair of semi-annular aws, interpivoted one to another, and each jaw being further pivoted, one to a stationary mounting trame, the other to a tulcrumed lever, by the operation of which the jaws are spread outwardly and divergently in relation to each other.V

CII

spliced tube to free the tube from the mandrel.

27. A tube splicing device or the like, a

matrix and an eXpansible mandrel between Which the ends of the tube are to be spliced, and means for freeing t-he tube in event it sticks to the mandrel by mea-ns ot compressed fluid introduced between the mandrel and tube.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 7th day of July A. D. 1924:.

ANDREW HUETTEB. 

